Tata's Gopalpur ferro chrome unit to start operation by Mar'15.

The first unit of the 55,000-tonne per annum ferro chrome plant being set up by Tata Steel at Gopalpur in Odisha's Ganjam district is all set to start operations by March 2015.

The steel major has already got in-principle approvals from the designated authorities to set up an industrial park at the same location, company officials said.

Spread over 2,970 acres of land the industrial park includes a multi-product SEZ over 2,570 acres and an anchor project by Tata Steel over 400 acres.

Anchor investments of Rs. 800 crore proposed to be made by Tata Steel at the Gopalpur Industrial Park include the ferro chrome plant, which is under construction after all statutory clearances, said Arun Misra, vice president, Gopalpur project of Tata Steel.

The plant is expected to be commissioned by March 2015 with an employment opportunity for about 400 persons both directly and indirectly, he said.

'With Gopalpur project being a top priority for the company, we are currently setting up a 55,000 TPA ferro chrome plant. We have recently filed documents seeking environment clearance for establishing another ferro chrome plant at the site,' Mishra said.

BS